Xavier Becerra United States Secretary of Health and Human Services | Official Website
Inaugural Event Honors America's First Games at the National Mall with Games, Nutrition Education, and Native Traditions
Washington, D.C. – The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, The National Fitness Foundation, the National Park Service, and Councilmember Ben Jacobs announce One Lacrosse Gathering Celebration, an inaugural one-day event on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm ET. The event will celebrate America’s rich cultural heritage through traditional Native American games, focusing on the origins and modern impact of lacrosse and other native traditions on cultural identity and overall well-being.
This event will also commemorate the second anniversary of the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. It will showcase how lacrosse and other traditional Native American games can promote physical activity. Supporting physical activity for all is one of the five pillars of the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, Health that President Biden announced as part of the Conference. In it, the President set a goal to end hunger and increase healthy eating and physical activity by 2030 so fewer Americans experience diet-related diseases while also reducing related health disparities.
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth face significant health disparities in mental and physical well-being in areas such as suicide, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and substance abuse. Mental health-related morbidities are 1.7 to seven times higher among Native youth and adults for conditions including substance use disorders, posttraumatic stress disorders, and suicide.
Interventions rooted in indigenous traditions have been shown to improve health outcomes in AI/AN communities. Through the healing power of heritage, this event aims to support tribal practices which build resiliency and strengthen community connections for improved physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health within AI/AN communities.
“Improving our nation's health requires addressing the holistic needs of communities honoring traditional understandings,” said Admiral Rachel Levine. “People and Places Thriving is a vision to build connections supporting people in all ways that matter to them.”
Set against the backdrop of the National Mall, this free community event welcomes participants to explore principles of lacrosse: respect; strength; endurance; teamwork; inclusivity. Spearheaded by Ben Jacobs (Osage), this event aims to uplift diverse cultures while celebrating America's first games.
“Our goal is to highlight the lasting importance of Native traditions,” said Ben Jacobs. “In supporting lacrosse roots this event connects local D.C. youth lacrosse groups with national organizations.”
“The One Lacrosse Gathering Celebration exemplifies commitment to uplifting diverse cultures through sport,” said Rayhaan Merani. “By honoring America’s first games we preserve Native heritage while advancing holistic health.”
One Lacrosse Gathering will feature representation from federal leaders; Tribal communities across the United States; non-profit stakeholders; social players; collegiate athletes including Howard Women’s Lacrosse team helping teach game empowering youth attendees.
The one-day event will include youth lacrosse clinics; community games for all ages; skill-building sessions; educational areas; hands-on lacrosse demos.
To register or learn more about the event visit https://onelacrossegathering.com/Registration.
About One Lacrosse Gathering Celebration
The President’s Council on Sports aims to promote healthy eating for all people regardless background ability. Traditional stick games have deep roots in Native traditions carrying through present day.
About President’s Council on Sports
Since 1956 PCSFN has played important role educating Americans benefits physical activity healthy eating consists athletes physicians fitness nutrition professionals entrepreneurs appointed by President serve advisory capacity Secretary Health Human Services.
About National Fitness Foundation
National Fitness Foundation only congressionally chartered nonprofit focused health fitness develops public private partnerships expand youth physical activity official nonprofit PCSFN supports initiatives ensuring promotion physical activity healthy eating mental wellness all Americans.
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